What are imperative clauses? Structures and usage of imperative clauses

Imperative clauses in English are a type of sentence used to request, order, or give advice for someone to do or not do something. However, in each case, we use imperative sentences with different nuances. Let's learn about the structure, usage, and common imperative sentence patterns together on PREP!

I. What are imperative clauses in English? 

Imperative clauses are commonly used to request, suggest or order someone to do something. This is considered a common grammatical structure in English communication. An exclamation mark "!" typically follows an imperative sentence for emphasis. Here are some imperative clause examples for better understanding:

• Please, turn off the lights! 
• Don't talk during the movie! 
• Take out the trash! 
• Be quiet in the library! 
• Wash your hands before eating! 

II. Functions of imperative clauses in English

Imperative sentences are not simply for ordering or requesting, but also depend on the subject and context to fulfill their main functions. Let's explore the core functions of imperative clauses together on PREP!

III. Commonly used imperative clauses in communication

To help you with your daily communication, let's review some typical imperative sentences used in everyday life with PREP!

1. Come in.
2. Don’t go!
3. Look at me!
4. Listen carefully!
5. Be quiet please.
6. Calm down.
7. Take care.
8. Stand up.
9. Sit down.
10. Please turn off the lights.
11. Put on your seatbelt.
12. Don’t forget to lock the door.
13. Speak louder so everyone can hear you.
14. No parking.
15. No littering.
16. Open the window.
17. Close the door quietly.
18. Wash your hands before eating.
19. Brush your teeth before bed.
20. Pay attention to the road while driving.
21. Take your time to understand the instructions.
22. Be respectful to others.
23. Don’t interrupt when someone is speaking.
24. Use your inside voice.
25. Follow the rules of the game.
26. Don’t touch the artwork.
27. Keep your workspace tidy.
28. Remember to say "please" and "thank you."
29. Apologize if you make a mistake.
30. Wait for your turn patiently.
31. Double-check your work before submitting it.

IV. Exercises on imperative clauses with detailed answers

Let's practice some English exercises about imperative clauses with PREP!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Turn the following sentences into the negative form

1. Turn off the light when you go out.
2. Jane asked me to close the window.
3. My mother ordered me to clean my room.
4. The teacher told my friend to be quiet.
5. Please tell her to leave the room now.

Exercise 2: Give the correct form of the verbs in parentheses

1. Don’t…………………………(talk) to friends while the teacher is saying.
2. The policeman ordered me…………………………(give) him my driver license.
3. No…………………………(smoke) here.
4. The manager told me…………………………(collect) data about our loyal customers
5. Don't…………………………(touch) the hot stove.

Exercise 3: Rewrite each sentence below in the imperative form. Pay attention to the structure and the verb form

1. Please make sure you finish the report by tomorrow morning.
2. It would be great if you could clean up your workspace before leaving.
3. Can you remember to lock the door when you go out?
4. I hope you'll consider joining us for dinner tonight.
5. Could you please turn off the lights before you leave the room?
6. I would appreciate it if you could send me the files by the end of the day.
7. It's important that you double-check your work before submitting it.
8. Do you mind speaking a bit louder so everyone can hear you?
9. I suggest you take a break and relax for a few minutes.
10. Would you mind not using your phone during the meeting?

2. Answer keys

Exercise 1: 

1. Don’t turn off the light when you go out.
2. Jane ask me not to close the window.
3. My mother ordered me not to clean my room.
4. The teacher told my friend not  to be quite.
5. Please tell her not to leave room now.

Exercise 2: 

1. Talk
2. To give
3. Smoking
4. To collect
5. Touch 

Exercise 3:

1. Finish the report by tomorrow morning.
2. Clean up your workspace before leaving.
3. Lock the door when you go out.
4. Consider joining us for dinner tonight.
5. Turn off the lights before you leave the room.
6. Send me the files by the end of the day.
7. Double-check your work before submitting it.
8. Speak a bit louder so everyone can hear you.
9. Take a break and relax for a few minutes.
10. Do not use your phone during the meeting.

Knowing how to use imperative clauses is useful for tests and daily conversations. Keep practicing and putting knowledge into your memory to improve your English! Good luck from PREP.